This course takes you through the process of planning and executing a competent woodcarving. After exercises designed to get you comfortable with woodcarving tools, you can try a small project with an illustrated step-by-step guide, or carve something of your own design.
Projects undertaken include relief patterns, spoons or bowls, Celtic work, simple animals, caged balls and chain-links, simple lettering.
Carving sessions are punctuated by 2 daily tutorials, covering:
- review of different types of woodcarving
- preparing by drawing and clay modelling
- choosing woodcarving tools
- tool care and sharpening
- holding work securely and safely
- applying beautiful finishes
2009 course dates:
Aug 19-21 (Wed-Fri)
Sep 26-27 (w/end, follow-up)
Oct 7-9 (Wed-Fri)
Oct 16-18 (Fri-Sun)
2 or 3-day follow-up sessions enable returning students to tackle more demanding projects.
The studio is also where Ben undertakes his professional commissions, so you may catch interesting pieces in progress.
Faculty Information:
A founder member of the Hands-On network of art and craft teachers, Ben Russell is an experienced teacher of both woodcarving and his other passion, photography. During thirty years of professional woodworking he has undertaken a wide variety of specialist woodworking, from house-framing to jewellery making.
Ben has written over 100 articles on woodcarving and woodworking technique, and has given master classes at the International Woodworking Exhibition in London. He lives on an organic small-holding, with his writer and gardener wife, Joyce.
Other Activities:
Bantry is a picturesque little market town on Ireland's Atlantic coast. With a backdrop of rugged mountains, and miles of unspoilt coastline, West Cork is a nature-lover's paradise. Visitors can enjoy local artisan food, golf, sailing, fishing, whale watching, hill-walking, horse-riding, music, a 3-screen cinema, and a perfectly poured pint of Guinness at the end of the day.
Facility Information:
Ben's purpose-built studio nestles at the head of a picturesque valley in the Cork Kerry mountains. Students get an opportunity to try out a wide selection of woodcarving tools, and an extensive library of books and magazines provides reference and inspiration. A modest tool shop gives students a chance to stock up with equipment. Tasty home-produced lunches divide the morning and afternoon sessions.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
The single booking fee of 355 eur reduces to 325 eur each, for a full group booking for four or five students. Places are secured with a 100 eur deposit, which is refundable up to 4 weeks before the course. The fee includes lunches and refreshments, use of tools, and timber for a small project.
Also see Vacation Schools in:
Art and craft workshop
Europe
Ireland
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